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Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Atarax

Generic name: Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
Brand names: Vistaril, Atarax

Why is Atarax prescribed?

Atarax is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of common anxiety and tension and, in combination with other medications, to treat anxiety that results from physical illness. It also relieves itching from allergic reactions and can be used as a sedative before and after general anesthesia. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine, a chemical the body releases that narrows air passages in the lungs and contributes to inflammation. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat.

Most important fact about Atarax

Atarax is not intended for long-term use (more than 4 months). Your doctor should re-evaluate the prescription periodically.

How should you take Atarax?

Take Atarax exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store tablets and syrup away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep the syrup from freezing.

Atarax side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Atarax.

Drowsiness, the most common side effect of Atarax, is usually temporary and may disappear in a few days or when dosage is reduced. Other side effects include dry mouth, twitches, tremors, and convulsions. The last two usually occur with higher than recommended doses of Atarax.

Why should Atarax not be prescribed?

Atarax should not be taken in early pregnancy or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Atarax

Atarax increases the effects of drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system. If you are taking narcotics, non-narcotic analgesics, or barbiturates in combination with Atarax, their dosage should be reduced.

This medication can cause drowsiness. Driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know how you react to Atarax.

Drug interactions

Atarax may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking Atarax.

If Atarax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Atarax with the following:

Barbiturates such as Seconal and Phenobarbital
Narcotics such as Demerol and Percocet
Non-narcotic analgesics such as Motrin and Tylenol

Atarax: pregnant or breastfeeding

Although the effects of Atarax during pregnancy have not been adequately studied in humans, birth defects have appeared in animal studies with Atarax. You should not take Atarax in early pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Atarax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Atarax is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

When treatment begins with injections, it can be continued in tablet form.

Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your response to the drug. Due to an increased risk of drowsiness, older adults usually start at the low end of the dosage range.

FOR ANXIETY AND TENSION

Adults

The usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrams 4 times per day.

Children under Age 6

The total dose is 50 milligrams daily, divided into several smaller doses.

Children over Age 6

The total dose is 50 to 100 milligrams daily, divided into several smaller doses.

FOR ITCHING DUE TO ALLERGIC CONDITIONS

Adults

The usual dose is 25 milligrams 3 or 4 times a day.

Children under Age 6

The total dose is 50 milligrams daily, divided into several smaller doses.

Children over Age 6

The total dose is 50 to 100 milligrams daily, divided into several smaller doses.

BEFORE AND AFTER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Adults

The usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrams.

Children

The usual dose is 0.6 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Atarax Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Atarax, seek medical attention immediately.

The most common symptom of Atarax overdose is excessive calm; your blood pressure may drop, although it is not likely.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Antivert

Generic Name: meclizine
Brand Names: Antivert, Bonine, Dramamine II, Driminate II

What is Antivert?

Antivert is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Antivert is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. Antivert may also be helpful in treating vertigo.

Antivert may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Antivert
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Antivert may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Antivert.

Before taking Antivert

Before taking Antivert, tell your doctor if you have

*asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another lung disease;
*glaucoma;
*difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate gland; or
*severe or chronic constipation.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Antivert is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Antivert without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Antivert passes into breast milk. Do not take Antivert without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Antivert is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take Antivert?

Take Antivert exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.

The Bonine chewable tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed, or chewed.

For motion sickness, Antivert is usually taken about 1 hour before travel. The dose may be repeated once a day after that for the duration of the journey if necessary.

For vertigo, doses may be taken several times a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
Store Antivert at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Antivert missed dose:

Since Antivert is usually taken as needed, missing a dose is usually not a problem. If you are taking Antivert on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Antivert overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Antivert overdose include extreme drowsiness, seizures, hallucinations, and decreased breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Antivert?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Antivert may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Antivert.

Antivert side effects
Stop taking Antivert and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Antivert and talk to your doctor if you experience

*drowsiness or dizziness;
*a dry mouth (may be relieved by sugarless gum, ice chips, saliva substitutes, or other products if bothersome);
*blurred vision;
*nervousness;
*insomnia; or
*constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Antivert drug interactions

Antivert may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Antivert may affect skin allergy tests. Tell your doctor that you are taking this medication if you need to undergo allergy testing.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Antivert. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Antivert more information:

* Your pharmacist has more information about Antivert written for health professionals that you may read.

What does Antivert look like?

Meclizine is available over the counter under the brand name Bonine and with a prescription under the brand name Antivert. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

*Antivert 12.5 mgelliptical, blue tablets
*Antivert/25 25 mgelliptical, yellow tablets
*Antivert/50 50 mgelliptical, blue, scored tablets

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Monday, July 16, 2007

Allegra D

Generic Name: fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine
Brand Names: Allegra D 24 Hour, Allegra D

Most important information I should know about Allegra D?
Always ask a doctor before giving Allegra D to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine or decongestant. Do not use Allegra D if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Allegra D before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Allegra D can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Allegra D.

What is Allegra D?

Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Allegra D is used to treat sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Allegra D may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What to discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Allegra D?
Do not use a Allegra D if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Allegra D before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking Allegra D, tell your doctor if you are allergic to fexofenadine, or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

* kidney disease;
*diabetes;
*glaucoma;
*heart disease or high blood pressure;
*diabetes;
*a thyroid disorder;
*an enlarged prostate; or
*problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Allegra D, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Allegra D may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Allegra D can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Allegra D without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Allegra D?

Take Allegra D exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Allegra D is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Always ask a doctor before giving a Allegra D to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Take Allegra D with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken Allegra D within the past few days.

Allegra D can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.
Store the medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Allegra D missed dose

Since Allegra D is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Allegra D overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of Allegra D.

Symptoms of an overdose may include feeling restless or nervous, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, or seizure (convulsions).

What to avoid while taking Allegra D?
Allegra D can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Allegra D.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Allegra D.

Avoid using antacids within 15 minutes before or after taking Allegra D. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb this medication.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Possible side effects of Allegra D:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

*fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
*confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
*severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;
*increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
*confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
*easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
*urinating less than usual or not at all.

Keep taking the medication and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

*blurred vision;
*dry mouth;
*nausea, stomach pain, constipation;
*mild loss of appetite, stomach upset;
*warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;
*sleep problems (insomnia);
*restless or excitability (especially in children);
*skin rash or itching;
*dizziness, drowsiness;
*problems with memory or concentration; or
*ringing in your ears.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Allegra D: Drug interactions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

*medicines to treat high blood pressure;
*a diuretic (water pill);
* medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome;
*bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol) or tolterodine (Detrol);
*aspirin or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others);
*a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or
*antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Allegra D, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Allegra D. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Allegra D information:

* Your pharmacist has information about Allegra D written for health professionals that you may read.

What does Allegra D look like?

Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine is available with a prescription under the brand name Allegra-D. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

*Allegra-D 60 mg/120 mg (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)- white and tan, oblong film-coated tablets
*Allegra-D 180 mg/240 mg (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)- white, round film-coated tablets

* Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
* Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

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Allegra

fexofenadine (fex oh FEN a deen)


Most important information I should know about Allegra:
• Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.


What is Allegra?
• Allegra is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work against the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.
• Allegra is used to prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
• Allegra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Allegra?
• Do not take Allegra if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any serious illness such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have other illnesses.
• Allegra is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Allegra will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether Allegra passes into breast milk. Do not take Allegra without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Allegra is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.


How should I take Allegra?
• Take Allegra exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Allegra is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Do not take Allegra close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may decrease the effects of Allegra.
• Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
• Store Allegra at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


Allegra missed dose
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.


Allegra overdose
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Allegra overdose are not well known.


What to avoid while taking Allegra?
• Do not take Allegra close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may decrease the effects of Allegra.


Possible side effects of Allegra:
• Stop taking Allegra and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Allergic reactions occur only rarely, and other serious side effects are not likely to occur.
• Some less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Allegra and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or an upset stomach.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


Allegra Drugs interactions
• Do not take Allegra close to a dose of an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids may decrease the effects of Allegra.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Allegra. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking other medications, including herbal products.


Allegra: more information
• Your pharmacist has more information about Allegra written for health professionals that you may read.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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Thursday, July 5, 2007

Zyrtec

Prescription Zyrtec Drug Uses

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

Prescription Zyrtec How Taken
Zyrtec comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zyrtec exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Prescription Zyrtec Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy with Zyrtec. Zyrtec is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyrtec passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Zyrtec. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Prescription Zyrtec Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.

Prescription Zyrtec Possible Side Effects

Stop taking Zyrtec and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyrtec and talk to your doctor if you experience sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness; headache; or dry mouth. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription Zyrtec Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Prescription Zyrtec Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zyrtec overdose are not well known, but extreme sleepiness, confusion, and weakness may be expected.

Prescription Zyrtec More Information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyrtec.

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